Leonard Bernstain Rhapsody In Blue...

This is the one I remember and was somewhat popular at the time. Don't know how to compare it to others.

Thanks! I like this issue as well. Looking for NM condition only...

Bernstein's relationship with Gershwin's music is interesting and a bit curious; especially since, as Czarivey points out, he recorded it a few times. He often disparaged Gershwin's music and famously said of "Rhapsody" : "It is not a composition at all, but a string of terrific tunes stuck together with a thin paste of flour and water". It should be remembered that the piano part was simply improvised by Gershwin himself (he was a great improviser) at the work's premiere lending some credence to Bernstein's comment. Also curious to me is the fact that he never recorded Gershwin's piano masterpiece "Concerto In F". I would agree that Mapman's choice is probably the best (by Bernstein) of the bunch. But for a different take on the music (more introspective and slower tempos) try his recording with the LA Philharmonic on DG.

Hi Frogman, thanks for the insight, I am surprised to say the least. It's funny and indeed a bit curious to me that Bernstein would disparage Gershwin's music since he recorded the Rhapsody so many times and seemed entranced with his music, maybe a bit envious of his melodic and improvisational gifts? As to why he didn't record "Concerto in F" maybe he felt he couldn't add anything to Earl Wild's numerous recordings of this piece. While Bernstein was certainly many things and an American Icon in so many ways, he certainly isn't any Earl Wild, especially regarding interpretation and virtuosity of Gershwin's works at the keyboard IMHO!